Why this exists

Every pensioner must submit an annual Life Certificate to continue receiving payments — it's the mechanism that confirms a pension account is still tied to a living pensioner. Defence pensioners can submit theirs directly through the SPARSH portal, which verifies and forwards it to your bank, or through the government-wide Jeevan Pramaan system using Aadhaar-based biometric or facial recognition.

The submission window

The standard window each year runs from 1 November to 30 November. Super senior citizens (aged 80 and above) get an earlier start, from 1 October. These dates are set annually as part of a nationwide Digital Life Certificate campaign and — as of the most recent cycle we checked — there's been no indication of the deadline being extended, so treat 30 November as firm unless you see an official announcement saying otherwise.

Ways to submit

  • Digitally from home — via the SPARSH portal directly, or the Jeevan Pramaan face authentication app (launched 2021, building on the original Aadhaar-biometric Jeevan Pramaan system from 2014)
  • At a Jeevan Pramaan Centre — physical verification points set up specifically for this
  • At your bank branch or post office — traditional in-person verification, still available for anyone who prefers it or can't use the digital route

What happens if you miss the deadline

Pension disbursement is typically paused until a valid life certificate is submitted — the earlier you clear it after a missed deadline, the sooner payments resume. If you're near the deadline and unsure your submission went through, check your status directly on SPARSH rather than assuming it was accepted.

Frequently asked questions

What's the deadline for submitting a life certificate?
Generally 30 November each year, with submissions opening 1 November (1 October for those 80 and above).

Can I submit my life certificate without visiting anywhere in person?
Yes — through SPARSH directly or the Jeevan Pramaan face authentication app, both usable from home.

What happens if I miss the deadline?
Pension payments are typically paused until a valid certificate is submitted, so it's worth submitting as early in the window as possible rather than waiting until the last days.